Free Baby Samples? Yes, Please! How to Score Diapers, Formula and More
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Quick Summary
The best free baby sample boxes and subscriptions are those that include a wide variety of brands and products to test, especially baby essentials like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, baby lotion and more, and aren't too difficult to set up.
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$ When I was pregnant, I knew I’d be spending some money prepping for my baby’s arrival. After all, even the most affordable car seats and strollers are an investment. But I didn’t realize how much money would go toward those seemingly inexpensive items (the burp cloth bill can quickly add up!). Fortunately, thanks to many other moms, I learned that numerous retailers and baby brands offer free samples of bottles, blankets, formula, clothing, and so much more. By signing up for one (or many!) of these free baby samples, you can save money up front and in the long run. Every baby is different, so the samples allow you to try various products and find what works for your little one without having to buy each one in bulk right off the bat.
(And if you want more suggestions for baby gear based on your unique preferences, check out What to Expect's Registry Builder, which also recommends great baby registries tailored to your needs.)
How I Chose the Best Free Baby Samples
I used my experience as a mom and professional shopper to create a list of retailers and brands known for their quality baby gear. I then looked to see which ones offered free baby samples and what the samples entailed. I also read the fine print: Several retailers and brands require you to pay for shipping, create a gift registry, or sign up for a rewards program or newsletter. I determined which ones give great value through their freebie offers without having too many strings attached.
The result: This list of free baby samples will bring you one step closer to being the most budget-conscious and in-the-know parent around.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Amazon Baby Registry Welcome Box
- Parents pleased with samples
- easy if you’re already a Prime member
- Must be an Amazon Prime member
The Amazon Welcome Box will make you seriously excited for your baby's arrival. Here's the fine print about the box: You have to join Amazon Prime if you're not a member already, create an Amazon gift registry, add at least 10 unique items to your registry and purchase at least $10 worth of items from your registry (if someone buys a $10 item for you, that counts!).
Once that happens, you'll log in to claim your offer and get a box shipped to you with an assortment of full-size, sample-size and travel-size products. The contents change depending on availability (here's an overview of what you might expect), but in the past have included about 10 items. Think: a muslin swaddle blanket, a bodysuit, a single pack of Dreft, a 4-ounce baby bottle, a travel size bottle of baby lotion, a 3-pack of diapers, a travel pack of wipes and single-use samples of things like diaper cream and ointment.
Target Welcome Kit
- Big value
- you can have the kit shipped to you
- In-store kits are subject to availability
If you register at Target, stop by Guest Services when you're in the store to pick up your free welcome kit. The bag contains $100 worth of baby-related products and coupons (!), which is a bigger value than most other welcome kits. Parents have received 3-packs of diapers, Dreft detergent, 10-packs of Honest wipes, 10-packs of Water wipes, Lansinoh breast milk storage bags and nursing pads, a Philips Avent baby bottle, Boogie Wipes, Aquaphor and more.
One drawback: What to Expect community parents report that in-store welcome kits can be hard to come by (they're subject to availability), so you'll want to call ahead before going in to pick yours up. (Some parents recommend calling a couple different stores if you have multiple Targets nearby.) Alternatively, you can have it shipped to you. (Shipping is free if you spend $35 or more, and it doesn't have to be baby items specifically.)
Read More: How to Get Your Free Target Baby Registry Welcome Kit
Babylist Registry Hello Baby Box
- Big range of products typically offered
- lots of benefits to registry program
- More stipulations than other welcome boxes
Parents who register with Babylist will receive a box filled with samples that parents say are actually good, but you have to jump through a few hoops to get it. These include:
- Add at least 30 items from the Babylist registry checklist to your registry
- Add at least three items from the Babylist Shop to your registry
- Add at least three items from other stores to your registry
- Make a minimum purchase of $30 from the Babylist Shop
- Verifying your address and spending $8.95 plus tax, where applicable, for shipping
The items in the box generally fit little ones 2 to 3 months old, so you'll want to place your order well ahead of time. Lots of moms were especially thrilled to find a Burt's Bees onesie in their boxes, but other freebies found in a recent box included: Huggies diapers, a FridaBaby Windi (a gas relief tool), Boon and Philips bottles, a pacifier, stretch mark and diaper rash cream samples, Enfamil formula, Honest wipes, Aveeno baby lotion, a hospital bag kit and several coupons. You can read the full fine print about the box here.
Read More: How to Get Your Babylist Baby Registry Welcome Box
Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box
- No requirement to get box other than having a registry
- Can take awhile to arrive
Walmart recently relaunched its baby box, and parents seem pleased! Although the contents vary from box to box, but in the past, its contained things like Dr. Brown's bottles, Huggies diapers, A&D ointment, Baby Dove moisturizer, Liquid IV hydration powder packets (for adults), Mommy's Bliss gripe water, Dr. Brown's bottles, Huggies diapers and month milestone photo cards. Note that the box can take about a month to arrive, but for many, the haul was worth the wait.
Read More: How to Get Your Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box
Enfamil Family Beginnings Pack
- Great way to test different formulas for free
- fun stickers included
- Some families prefer other formula brands
- hard to tell when you'll get samples
Some babies can be finicky when it comes to formula, and parents can quickly drop a ton of cash buying full-size versions of the various options, so it makes sense to get free samples when possible. Enfamil will send samples of a few different kinds of formula to new parents, as well as formula coupons and gifts such as "Belly Badge" stickers, which you can place on your baby's outfit for milestone photo opps, such as "1 Month Old" and "My First Smile." If you decide you like Enfamil for your baby, you can also earn rewards and rebate coupons by using the app.
Pampers Club Rewards Program
- Rewards aren't restricted to Pampers products
- great way to get rewards if you're already buying Pampers
- May be challenging remembering to scan codes at first
When you join the Pampers Club Rewards program, you can download their app and use it to scan codes from the diapers and wipes you've bought. As you do so, you'll earn coupons and points (called Pampers Cash) that can be traded in for more diapers and wipes or other rewards like gift cards. It's a little more work and there's no specific new parent gift box, but if you love Pampers, it's an easy way to save money.
Similac Rewards
- Free photo book in addition to formula samples
- Your baby may prefer other formula brands
Similac Rewards sends baby formula coupons and nutritional guidance for you and your little one. (You may get free baby formula samples depending on availability.) You'll also get a free Shutterfly photo book for the countless adroable baby photos you'll be taking. As part of the rewards program, members also get points when they scan the MySimilac QR code on select formula products.
Hey, Milestone Pregnancy Sample Box
- Easy way to try lots of products
- Other sample boxes offered too
- Must pay for shipping
Hey, Milestone (formerly known as Noobie Box) offers free gift boxes made for babies and both new and expectant parents. Moms-to-be can order their own complementary pregnancy box to see if they like the program, and even customize it based on their due dates — you'll just need to pay $13 for shipping.
It varies by month, but a recent edition of the box included: five Cuties diapers, a Nanobébé Flexy pacifier, Lansinoh breastfeeding sample set and organic nipple cream, Palmer's stretch mark massage lotion sachet, two Prevail liners, a prenatal vitamin sample, a lactation drink sample, a travel-sized pack of Water Wipes, Aquaphor mini-spray for mom, hand sanitizer wipes, Bella B samples, $100 credit towards family meals with Sunbasket and other offers for sites like Zulily.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Subscription
- Receive age-appropriate
- high-quality books for free
- May not be readily available in your area
This program started by the country icon (and serious reading fan) has simple instructions: Sign up when your child is born, and she will receive free books in the mail until age 5. Note that the organization currently doesn't serve all areas of the country, although go-getters can work with the Imagination Library to start their own local affiliate. The book selections, which are all published by Penguin Random House, are reviewed annually by a team of early childhood literacy experts.
Recurring Resources for Families
Raising a baby is expensive, and many families need more than just one-time freebies to help reduce the overall costs. If you or someone you know requires additional assistance in securing free or low-cost baby essentials, here are some helpful resources:
- National Diaper Bank Network: Partnering with Huggies, this organization collects, stores, and distributes free diapers to families across the country. The website provides a state-by-state list of diaper banks so you can find the nearest one to you.
- Free Formula Exchange: This nationwide network connects families in need of baby formula with others who have formula to donate, free of charge.
- Women, Infant and Children: Commonly referred to as WIC, this program offers supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. You must apply to be eligible for the program.
FAQ
How can I get free baby stuff?
Creating a registry and signing up for promos aren’t the only ways to score free baby items. Some other ways to snag free (or significantly cheaper) baby gear include:
- Asking family and friends for hand-me-downs: When I was pregnant, I quickly learned how much parents like to declutter. My sister-in-law was more than happy to unload boxes of clothes, toys, and even a high chair.
- Joining your local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group: Again, parents love to get rid of unwanted items, and many are doing so through neighborhood- and town-based Facebook groups. The only downside is you need to check often and act fast, so this may be better for non-essential items.
- Getting a breast pump through insurance: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many new moms are eligible for free (or reduced-price) breast pumps. The coverage will vary based on your provider, and you may have to do a little legwork. But given that some breast pumps can cost up to $400, it’s worth the effort for such a helpful device.
- Utilizing your FSA money on eligible items: There are a surprising number of FSA-eligible baby items, including baby monitors, diaper rash cream, and even postpartum recovery kits. Although you’re still paying for these items, you’re using pre-tax money, which saves you some money.
Is it ok to buy second hand baby stuff?
Although it's totally fine to buy some second hand baby gear, not every product is safe to buy used. The American Academy of Pediatrics, advises against used car seats, for example, because they could be expired or missing parts. There is similar concern with strollers and cribs.
If you accept or buy used baby gear, do your due diligence. Always check that the item hasn't been recalled, and look closely to ensure it’s not damaged or missing any parts.
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